Its design origins can be traced back to the Mitsubishi SSU which debuted at the 1999 North American International Auto Show, although the Endeavor does not share the concept’s mechanical underpinnings. The prototype was powered by a 310 PS version of the 6A13TT 2.5 L twin-turbo V6, which directed the power to a full-time all wheel drive system through its INVECS-II five-speed semi-automatic transmission and AYC. When the Endeavor debuted, it used the 6G75 3.8 L V6 offering 215 hp (improved to 225 hp (168 kW) in 2004) and 250 ft·lbf, mated to a four-speed semi-automatic transmission with an optional all wheel drive system that splits the torque 50/50 by default.

The Endeavor’s performance in the marketplace has to date failed to meet Mitsubishi’s expectations. On its release in March 2003 the company aimed for 80,000 annual sales but achieved only 32,054 by the end of its debut year. The Endeavor has received some criticism because it requires premium grade gasoline, whereas most of its competitors run on regular grade. This is especially crucial given the current high gas prices. It received a mild restyle for the 2006 model year, but has received no significant changes yet in its lifetime.

The Endeavor is a midsize crossover SUV from Mitsubishi that combines smart styling with lots of room for five people and their gear. As is the case with other crossovers, the Mitsubishi Endeavor combines the elevated seating position and hauling ability of a traditional SUV with a smoother, more carlike ride and better fuel economy. But as with most crossovers, it lacks the serious off-road and heavy-duty towing abilities of a truck-based SUV.

When first introduced, the Mitsubishi Endeavor earned a surprise win in an Edmunds comparison test. It won with a combination of good looks, torque-filled engine performance, smart handling and excellent (for a crossover) off-road performance. Complaints were limited to some questionable styling elements and material choices in the cabin.
Mitsubishi has made further improvements since then, though the Endeavor still lacks a third-row seat, a feature that has lately become a must-have for this type of vehicle. It’s also starting to be a bit outclassed in terms of feature availability, engine power and transmission gearing. Even so, we still think pretty highly of this vehicle. Despite the Endeavor’s lack of sales success, we certainly think shoppers in this segment (who don’t need a third-row seat) should take a close look.

Current Mitsubishi Endeavor.

The Mitsubishi Endeavor is based on vehicle architecture that’s shared with Mitsubishi’s Galant sedan. Currently, there are two trim levels: LS and SE. Both trims are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 225 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission with a trendy manual shift mode is standard. While this is less power than most competitors offer, the Endeavor has a wide and flat torque curve that gives it performance that belies its horsepower numbers. However, the four-speed automatic seems a bit outdated in a segment where five and even six-speed transmissions, and their subsequent enhancements to fuel economy, are becoming the norm.

The Endeavor is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD models are equipped with standard stability control, which supplements the traction control that is standard on FWD trims. Stability control is unavailable on FWD models, a notable omission. However, the Endeavor is now equipped with standard rollover-sensing curtain side airbags and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Endeavor earned high marks for crashworthiness in both government and Insurance Institute testing.

The entry-level LS trim features A/C, full power accessories and a CD player. If you want such niceties as leather, high-end audio with satellite radio, navigation, heated seats or a sunroof, you will have to step up to the SE trim and its several available option packages. Some higher-end features, such as keyless start, a panoramic sunroof, a rear entertainment system and a back-up camera, are unavailable.

Past Mitsubishi Endeavor Models.

The Mitsubishi Endeavor was introduced for the 2004 model year. Initially, there were three trims: base LS, midlevel XLS and the top-of-the-line Limited. Shortly after, it was updated as a 2004.5 model. Endeavor’s midyear changes included lower pricing, a longer warranty, the addition of daytime running lamps, dual-stage front airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system and 10 more horsepower. ABS became available on LS 2WD models and was already standard on XLS and Limited FWD models.

This midyear upgrade also included standard front side airbags and a leather steering wheel for the Endeavor XLS. New options included a rear-seat entertainment system and stability control for the all-wheel-drive Limited. Shoppers interested in a used ’04 Endeavor should only consider the updated version.

Mitsubishi shuffled the trim levels recently; the XLS was dropped in 2006 and the Limited trim was replaced by an SE trim for 2007. The current SE and various SE option packages maintain the equipment levels of the former trim, and enhance it with newly available features including the navigation system and a Rockford Acoustic Design stereo. However, the rear DVD entertainment center has been eliminated.